Recognized

Aggressive Dogs: What Causes Aggressive Behavior?

Growling, baring teeth, snarling, snapping, and biting are all aggressive behaviors and these behaviors are warnings that a dog may bite or otherwise harm a person. What causes a dog to behave aggressively?

There are several types of aggression that a dog may exhibit.Dominance aggression

Dogs are social animals who view their families as their “pack”. When a dog perceives that his place in the pack has been challenged, he may show dominance aggression. A dog may feel threatened if he is asked to give up his favorite spot on the couch for a guest. He may respond by growling at the visitor or otherwise trying to intimidate the newcomer into submission.

Physical restraint, such as reaching for a dog’s collar or petting him by reaching over his head, may also be interpreted by the dog as a challenge for dominance. If a normally friendly dog growls, try to determine if your own behavior might be seen as a threat.Fear-motivated aggression

This type of aggression is a defensive reaction that occurs when a dog believes he is in danger of being harmed.

The dog may be responding to the threat of other dogs, an unfamiliar voice, or even a movement that can be interpreted as threatening such as the raising of an arm to throw a ball. Protective, territorial, and possessive aggression

These types of aggression are similar; they each involve the defense of belongings. Territorial aggression is usually associated with defense of property; to a dog, the property may include anywhere he has marked with his urine, including areas outside the owner’s property line. Protective aggression refers to aggression directed toward people or animals that a dog considers a threat to his pack, or family. Possessive aggression occurs when a dog defends his food, toys, or any other valued objects. This can include trash as the value is perceived by the dog.

These types of aggression often occur when a newborn joins the household.Redirected aggression

Redirected aggression occurs when a dog is provoked by someone he cannot attack. The aggression and anger is redirected at someone else. For example, a dog may become agitated by a person passing on the other side of a fence. Since the dog cannot attack that person, he may attack a child playing in the yard instead.

Predation

Predation is aggressive behavior motivated by the intent to obtain food; it is not meant to harm or intimidate.

Some dogs are rarely aggressive; others can become aggressive quite suddenly and attack with very little provocation. If a dog is showing aggressive behavior, the owner has a responsibility to ensure that the dog does not harm others. He should seek the advice of a veterinarian and confine the dog so it is not a threat to others.